Fans look on from the stands before the match between Russia and South Korea.

South Korea fans show their support.

Russia fans at the match against South Korea.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, right, makes a save near Brazilian players David Luiz and Paulinho during a World Cup match in Fortaleza, Brazil. The match ended 0-0 in large part to Ochoa, who made several key saves.

Instead, what transpired was a rather turgid affair as Brazil failed to find the fluency which eventually put Croatia to the sword in Sao Paulo.

Mexico, winners in its opening game against Cameroon, showed little sign of being overawed by the occasion and came close to opening the scoring when Hector Herrera's effort was tipped away by Julio Cesar.

It wasn't until midway through the first half that Brazil fashioned a real opportunity -- but when it came it needed a wonderful save by Ochoa to keep Mexico level.

Dani Alves, sporting his freshly sprayed silver hairstyle, escaped down the right and his cross was headed towards goal by Neymar only for Ochoa to scramble across goal and tip the ball away.

With the first half drawing to a close, Brazil once again carved open the Mexican defense.

A free kick into the penalty area was chested down by Thiago Silva into the path of David Luiz but his effort was blocked by the onrushing Ochoa.

Whatever coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said at the interval appeared to galvanize the host nation for a few minutes at least with substitute Bernard, on in place of Ramires, adding a new found impetus.

It was Bernard who created the opening chance of the half, crossing for Neymar at the far post only for the ball to be taken off the forward's toes by a Mexican defender.

But any hopes that Brazil would begin to grow into the contest appeared unfounded.

Instead, it was Mexico which looked the more threatening of the two teams with Oribe Peralta and Giovani Dos Santos both roaming menacingly towards the Brazilian goal.

But while Neymar remained on the field, Brazil still possessed a man capable of producing magic.

It was the 22-year-old who was denied by Ochoa once again, this time the Mexican blocking Neymar's fierce drive from inside the penalty area.

Brazil, having replaced the anonymous Fred with substitute Jo, began to crank up the pressure with Mexico visibly beginning to tire.

Unbeaten in its previous 38 matches on home soil, Brazil rarely looked like losing but nor did it appear able to find that elusive goal.

That frustration was increased with five minutes remaining when Thiago Silva's powerful header was blocked on the line by Ochoa with the Brazilian captain looking certain to score.

Marcelo, the left-back, then embarrassed himself by attempting to gain a late penalty with a dive which won him few admirers.

Raul Jimenez went close at the other end, forcing Cesar into a smart save as both side's failed to find a breakthrough.

Brazil's next game takes place on June 23rd against Cameroon while Mexico will take on Croatia.